Dysfunctional neighbourhoods: A conceptual framework for urban regeneration and renewal

Squires, Graham; Booth, Colin

Abstract

For neighbourhoods within area-based initiatives for regeneration and renewal, they often experience difficulties of poverty, disadvantage, and deprivation. Furthermore, the experience of function or dysfunction is also important when exploring neighbourhoods undergoing transformation. Functioning ‘norms’ could be the ability for residents within particular neighbourhoods to have an equal opportunity to education, live within a healthy environment, or not be constrained by problems of crime. For this study, a dysfunctional neighbourhood conceptual framework is formed via an inductive approach, by integrating desk-based study and semi-structured interviews. An area based case study approach is also taken to focus the development and discussion of the framework, via the Housing Market Renewal (HMR) programme in the United Kingdom 2002-2011. The conceptual framework brings together nine key components of neighbourhood dysfunction that are often found in urban regeneration and renewal policy areas. The work argues that dysfunctional neighbourhoods, that are often the target of regeneration and renewal activity, need to consider the complex components that make up their whole. This greater depth of understanding is important if all neighbourhoods are to have the opportunity to function well in a city.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Jan 1, 2015
• Journal: Journal of Urban Regeneration and Renewal
• Print ISSN: 1752-9638
• Electronic ISSN: 1752-9646
• Publisher: Henry Stewart Publications
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 8
• Issue: 3
• Pages: 301-313
• Keywords: urban regeneration, dysfunctional neighbourhoods
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/844564
• Publisher URL: http://www.henrystewartpublications.com/journals/journal-urban-regeneration-renewal/sample-article/dysfunctional-neighbourhoods-conceptual